The 26-year-old playmaker, who won his 25th cap for the All Blacks against Italy last November, has agreed a three-year deal with the Top 14 leaders.

Aaron Cruden decided to turn his back on the world champions and Chiefs to join Montpellier later this year and Kerr-Barlow has also opted to take up a new challenge in France.

“It was an extremely hard decision to make, but I feel it is the right one for my family and myself,” said Kerr-Barlow.

“I’ve always wanted to play rugby in New Zealand and to represent teams like Waikato and the Chiefs which is where my family comes from.

“It was a childhood dream of mine to become an All Black and it has been a privilege to represent my country.

“I had really good contact with the Chiefs and the All Blacks throughout the process, but ultimately the opportunity to play rugby with La Rochelle and experience the French culture with my family was the right decision for me.”

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